Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is a relatively common problem and we have reported on a number of studies and reviews over the past 12 months that have assessed various treatments to alleviate this problem. This aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a prophylaxis paste containing 15% calcium sodium phosphosilicate (NovaMin® ), with and without fluoride, in reducing dentine hypersensitivity immediately after a single application following dental scaling
151 patients ( aged 18-70) with a minimum of two hypersensitive teeth that satisfied the tactile and evaporative hypersensitivity enrolment criteria were stratified based on their baseline tactile and evaporative hypersensitivity scores and randomised to one of three groups:-
- Test-A: paste with 15% NovaMin® with 2.7% sodium fluoride
- Test-B: paste with 15% NovaMin® without fluoride
- Control: paste without NovaMin® without fluoride
Patients received a scaling and root planing procedure (SRP) followed by a final polishing step using one of three different prophylaxis pastes: Patients were provided with toothpaste and extra soft bristled brush. Hypersensitivity was measured at baseline, immediately after prophylaxis and at 28 days. Tactile and air blast hypersensitivity was assessed. A questionnaire was also completed at the same three time points.
- 149 out of 151 completed the study
- Immediately after SRP and prophylaxis both test groups showed a statistically significant improvement compared with the control for tactile hypersensitivity. There was no difference between the test groups. The significant difference between the test groups and control was still evident at 28 days.
- For air blast sensitivity both test groups were statistically significantly less sensitive than the control immediately following SRP and prophylaxis and at 28 days.
- The patients reported data from the questionnaire also found statistically significant reductions for both test groups compared to the control.
The authors concluded
The single application of both fluoridated and non-fluoridated prophylaxis pastes containing 15% CSPS (NovaMin®) provided a significant reduction of dentine hypersensitivity up to at least 28 days.
Comment
The small study suggests that a single application of prophylaxis paste can reduce hypersensitivity following SRP for up to 28 days. As sensitivity following SRP is often reported by patients this may be helpful. As can been seen by the recent reviews and studies that have been published on this topic many of the therapies investigated have shown a beneficial effect but we are still some way off having strong evidence of which is the most effective.
Links
Neuhaus KW, Milleman JL, Milleman KR, Mongiello KA, Simonton TC, Clark CE, Proskin HM, Seemann R. Effectiveness of a calcium sodium phosphosilicate-containing prophylaxis paste in reducing dentine hypersensitivity immediately and 4 weeks after a single application: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. J Clin Periodontol. 2013 Apr;40(4):349-57. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.12057. Epub 2013 Feb 17. PubMed PMID: 23414245; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3675645.
Dentin sensitivity is a very painful and irritating matter. So, everybody should maintain regular oral check up and a healthy diet to prevent this. Nice writing! keep it up.